Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
320Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Teaching is an innovative course that prepares you to become an early childhood teacher and/or a primary school teacher. This gives you flexible and versatile employment options.
During the course, you explore issues, concepts and practices which are common and specific to both early childhood education (including before school settings) and primary school education.
You'll learn about:
- play and learning sciences
- language and literacy
- preparation for teaching
- health and physical education
- science in education
- technology and design for education
- curriculum and programming
- maths
- leadership and advocacy in early childhood contexts
- humanities, social science and the environment.
This unique teacher education course offers two career options for graduates. It is an initial-teacher education qualification that encompasses working with children from birth to age 12 in both early childhood settings and primary schools.
The course is designed to:
- develop professional knowledge and skills for teaching children from birth to 12 years
- prepare you for new and changing educational roles in early childhood and primary schools
- develop your skills as a reflective teacher
- explore the connection between theory and practice in early childhood and primary school education
- ensure continuing awareness of the environmental and cultural influences on teaching and learning in early childhood and primary schools
- better understand the needs of learners and communities with diverse linguistic and cultural orientations, including Indigenous learners.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course prepares you to teach in a prior to school setting, primary school or work in associated educational areas such as:
- curriculum development
- educational planning
- educational research
- policy development.
Practical experience
This course includes the completion of a minimum of 85-100 days supervised practice teaching.
Professional recognition
This course has been accredited through the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory consistent with the standards established by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership for the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia.
This program is approved with the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). On graduating, you will be recognised as an Early Childhood Teacher by ACECQA.
On graduating from this course, you will be eligible to register as a teacher across all Australian State and Territory jurisdictions (subject to meeting other eligibility criteria, such as National Literacy and Numeracy test for Initial Teacher Education as per Teacher Registration Requirement, English proficiency and suitability to teach).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $28,576.00. This equates to $ $3,572.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Complete placements close to home
Unique opportunities for regional and remote placements
Why study education at CDU?
Educate and inspire the next generation with a teaching degree at CDU. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped with a nationally-accredited degree to work anywhere in Australia.
What will I study?
The Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Teaching (Birth - 12 Years) is made up of common units, core theory and professional experience units as well as some general elective units. The Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Teaching combines theory-based units and practical placements. During the course, you will complete four professional experience blocks that require full-time commitment.
Course structure
At CDU, you can study a Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Teaching online, on campus or a mix of both. You can also choose to study part-time or full-time. This makes it easier to fit study in with your life and work commitments. All students have access to and are encouraged to make use of online learning materials and interaction.
Should you choose to study your teaching degree online, you'll complete placements close to home.
All students must pass prior to graduation the ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as required by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The cost of the testing will be met by the student. Refer to https://teacheredtest.acer.edu.au/
Please check the pre-requisite and assumed knowledge requirements prior to enrolment.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 320 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Experience units MUST be undertaken in the following sequence: EPE102, EPE111, EPE211, EPE312.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Common Units (2 units) | 20 | Common units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below: LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024) IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024) Select Common Units to find out more about individual units and advanced standing options. |
| Core Units (28 units) | 290 | Compulsory Core units totalling 290 credit points as detailed below: ECL123 Mathematics in Early Years (new title 2020) |
| Elective (1 unit) | 10 | Units totalling 10 credit points selected from 100 or 200 level units offered by the University Units offered externally by other Higher Education Providers may be included subject to the written approval of the Course Coordinator. For example, the following units offered through BBI The Australian Institute of Theological Education: REDU800 Foundations for Religious Education: Theory and Practice (BBI) |
| 320 | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (320cp)
- A maximum of 120 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 80 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
2023 Course Changes
ELA100 title has changed from English Language and Literacy in Education 1 to English Language for Literacy.
EST303 title has changed from Special Needs in the Classroom to Diverse Needs in the Classroom.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | ECU100 Arts for Education | CO |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | EMA100 Mathematics Education 1: Content Knowledge for Teaching | CO |
| ELA100 English Language for Literacy (new title 2023) | CO | EPE102 Professional Experience: Planning for Early Childhood Learning (previously coded EPE101) | CO/P |
| ECU101 Health and Physical Education in Schools (new title 2020) | CO | ECL155 Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education (new title 2020) | CO |
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| EPE111 Professional Experience: Planning for Learner Development (previously coded EPE110) | CO/P | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice (title changed 2023) | CO |
| ECL123 Mathematics in Early Years (new title 2020) | CO | ECL224 Science in the Early Years | CO |
| EMA200 Mathematics Education 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy in Primary Mathematics | CO | ECL228 Humanities, Social and Environmental Education in Early Childhood (new title 2020) | CO |
| ECL246 Music and Movement in Early Childhood | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies (replaces ECU204 from 2024) | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| EPE211 Professional Experience: Planning for Learning and Assessment (previously coded EPE210) | CO/P | ESC220 Science in Education | CO |
| ELA201 Teaching English as an Additional Language | CO | EST221 Health, Environment and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education (new title 2020) | CO |
| ECE301 Play in Early Childhood Education | CO | ECL300 Approaches to Literacy in the Early Years | CO |
| Elective | E | ECE303 Curriculum and Programming in Early Childhood | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| ECE302 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Contexts | CO | ECE304 Critical Reflection on Early Childhood Theory and Practice | CO |
| EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO | ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO |
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom (new title 2023) | CO | EPE312 Professional Experience: Engaging in Evidence-Based Practice (20cp) (previously EPE310) | CO/P |
| ELA301 Literacy Capability in Context (new title 2020) | CO | ||
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | ||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | ||
| ECU100 Arts for Education | CO | ||
| ECL155 Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education (new title 2020) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ECU101 Health and Physical Education in Schools (new title 2020) | CO | EMA100 Mathematics Education 1: Content Knowledge for Teaching | CO |
| ELA100 English Language for Literacy (new title 2023) | CO | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice (title changed 2023) | CO |
| EPE102 Professional Experience: Planning for Early Childhood Learning (previously coded EPE101) | CO/P | ESC220 Science in Education | CO |
| ECL123 Mathematics in Early Years (new title 2020) | CO | ECL228 Humanities, Social and Environmental Education in Early Childhood (new title 2020) | CO |
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| EPE111 Professional Experience: Planning for Learner Development (previously coded EPE110) | CO/P | ECU206 Design and Technologies (replaces ECU204 from 2024) | CO |
| ECL246 Music and Movement in Early Childhood | CO | EST221 Health, Environment and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education (new title 2020) | CO |
| ELA201 Teaching English as an Additional Language | CO | ECL224 Science in the Early Years | CO |
| EMA200 Mathematics Education 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy in Primary Mathematics | CO | ECL300 Approaches to Literacy in the Early Years | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| EPE211 Professional Experience: Planning for Learning and Assessment (previously coded EPE210) | CO/P | ECE303 Curriculum and Programming in Early Childhood | CO |
| ECE301 Play in Early Childhood Education | CO | ECE304 Critical Reflection on Early Childhood Theory and Practice | CO |
| ECE302 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Contexts | CO | ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO |
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom (new title 2023) | CO | EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO |
| Year 5 | |||
| EPE312 Professional Experience: Engaging in Evidence-Based Practice (20cp) (previously EPE310) | CO/P | ||
| ELA301 Literacy Capability in Context (new title 2020) | CO | ||
| Elective | E | ||
Students commencing in Summer Semester
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in Summer Semester and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100) | CU | ||||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107) | CU | ||||
| EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice (title changed 2023) | CO | ||||
| ELA201 Teaching English as an Additional Language | CO | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| ECL123 Mathematics in Early Years (new title 2020) | CO | ECL224 Science in the Early Years | CO | ||
| ECL155 Preparation for Teaching in Early Childhood Education (new title 2020) | CO | ECU100 Arts for Education | CO | ||
| ELA100 English Language for Literacy (new title 2023) | CO | ECU206 Design and Technologies (replaces ECU204 from 2024) | CO | ||
| EMA100 Mathematics Education 1: Content Knowledge for Teaching | CO | EPE102 Professional Experience: Planning for Early Childhood Learning (previously coded EPE101) | CO/P | ||
| LAN020 Literacy and Numeracy (LANTITE) (0cp) | CO | ||||
| Year 3 | |||||
| EPE111 Professional Experience: Planning for Learner Development (previously coded EPE110) | CO/P | ECL228 Humanities, Social and Environmental Education in Early Childhood (new title 2020) | CO | ||
| ECL246 Music and Movement in Early Childhood | CO | EST221 Health, Environment and Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education (new title 2020) | CO | ||
| ECU101 Health and Physical Education in Schools (new title 2020) | CO | ESC220 Science in Education | CO | ||
| EMA200 Mathematics Education 2: Curriculum and Pedagogy in Primary Mathematics | CO | ECL300 Approaches to Literacy in the Early Years | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| EPE211 Professional Experience: Planning for Learning and Assessment (previously coded EPE210) | CO/P | ECE303 Curriculum and Programming in Early Childhood | CO | ||
| ECE301 Play in Early Childhood Education | CO | ECE304 Critical Reflection on Early Childhood Theory and Practice | CO | ||
| ECE302 Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Contexts | CO | ECU301 Humanities and Social Science Pedagogy | CO | ||
| ELA301 Literacy Capability in Context (new title 2020) | CO | EST302 Researching Classroom Practice | CO | ||
| Year 5 | |||||
| EPE312 Professional Experience: Engaging in Evidence-Based Practice (20cp) (previously EPE310) | CO/P | ||||
| EST303 Diverse Needs in the Classroom (new title 2023) | CO | ||||
| Elective | E | ||||
Students commencing in Summer Semester (Fast Track)
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in Summer Semester and wishing to fast track their progress. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit CO/P = Practicum/Placement | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Additional admission requirements
Applicants must complete the Teaching Capabilities Statement used to demonstrate suitability for study and work in the teaching profession.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program; and
- achieved a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A and Australian Histories, Institutions and Cultures; and
- achieved a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B;
are eligible to apply subject to satisfactory completion of the teaching capabilities statement and working with children check.
Essential requirements
Criminal History Check
You must have cleared a Police Check and/or Working with Children Check before you can undertake your practical placements. If your Police Check and/or Working with Children Check are not cleared by the education sector, you will not be able to undertake practice teaching placements and therefore, will not meet the requirements of the course.
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.5 |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | Minimum overall score of 176 with no skill below 176 |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | Test not accepted for this course. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | Minimum overall score of 58 with no score less than 58 in listening, speaking, reading and writing |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | Minimum overall score of 80 with no score less than 22 in speaking, writing, reading and listening |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 55.20 | 60.55 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 64.58 | 67.30 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 83.75 | 86.25 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Charles Darwin University has arranged some great placements for me, all within 10 minutes of my home in regional New South Wales. I like that you're in a classroom early in the degree, learning the ropes. And I got to experience different types of schools, demographic areas and leadership styles.
Matt
CDU student
My lecturers and the academic staff at CDU have been very supportive in helping me develop strategies to become a competent teacher in Australia.
Sunny
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 27 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 45 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 7 | .0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 6 | .0 |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | 6 | .0 |
| All students | 91 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about teaching at CDU
Sunny is from China studying a Master of Teaching at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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